Infectious Disease Vectors Quiz

Tetanus

• Main characteristic is muscle stiffness and spasms due to toxin effects.
• Exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria.
• Tetanus bacteria can be found in soil, dust, and animal feces.

Cryptosporidiosis

• Transmitted to humans primarily through contaminated water.
• Causative agent is Cryptosporidium spp. (protozoan).
• Diagnosed via microscopy of stool samples or special staining techniques.
• Treatment includes nitazoxanide, though supportive care is essential.
• Oocysts are resistant to chlorination, complicating water treatment efforts.

Toxoplasmosis

• Caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Food-borne Infections

• Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
• Test not mentioned for diagnosing food-borne illnesses: blood cultures.

Salmonellosis

• Causative agent is Salmonella bacteria.
• Major reservoir includes poultry and reptiles.

Shigellosis

• Caused by the bacterium Shigella.
• Key symptom includes severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.
• Anti-diarrheal agents should be avoided to prevent complications such as toxin accumulation.
• Primarily affects the intestinal lining, leading to ulceration.

Campylobacteriosis

• Primary cause linked to Campylobacter jejuni bacteria.
• Common exposure sources include undercooked poultry and contaminated water.

Escherichia coli (E-coli)

• Associated with multiple strains causing diarrhea, particularly E. coli O157:H7.
• Generally spread through contaminated food and water.
• Human transmission can occur via fecal-oral route.
• Primary source of infection is undercooked beef.
• Clinical features of hemolytic uremic syndrome include kidney failure and hemolytic anemia.
• Shiga toxin is linked to E. coli O157:H7 syndrome, affecting blood cells and kidneys.
• Characteristic features include production of Shiga toxin, leading to severe illness.

Trichinellosis

• Primary mode of transmission is through consumption of undercooked meat infected with Trichinella larvae.
• Diagnosis is often made through muscle biopsy or serology testing.

Botulism

• Primary cause is the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
• Associated with infant botulism is consumption of honey.
• Symptoms include muscle weakness, vision problems, and respiratory difficulties.

Bacillus Cereus

• Gram-positive bacterium, capable of forming spores.
• Commonly called 'fried rice syndrome' due to association with fried rice dishes left unrefrigerated.
• Characteristic feature includes producing toxins that cause food poisoning.

Cholera

• Diagnosed through stool culture and rapid testing methods.
• Common mode of exposure is consumption of contaminated water or food.
• Causative agent is Vibrio cholerae.
• Primary treatment concern is rehydration to prevent severe dehydration.

Food-borne Illnesses & Viral Infections

• Leading cause of food-borne illness according to the CDC includes norovirus.
• Norovirus commonly spreads in crowded environments such as cruise ships.
• Common symptom of rotavirus infection is severe diarrhea, especially in children.
• Rotavirus primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route.

Hepatitis A

• Common symptom is jaundice, alongside fatigue and abdominal pain.
• Untreated infections can lead to liver failure.

Giardia

• Primary cause is the protozoan Giardia lamblia.
• Primarily affects the intestines, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Also known as "beaver fever."
• Outbreaks are commonly associated with contaminated water sources.
• Identified through stool examination and specific antigen tests.

Entamoeba histolytica

• Causes amoebic dysentery, a severe gastrointestinal disease.
• Known as the "brain-eating amoeba": Naegleria fowleri can cause fatal infections in the brain.

Malaria

• Caused by Plasmodium spp.; major strains include P. falciparum.
• Major danger is severe anemia and cerebral complications.
• Naegleria fowleri infects through nasal passages, usually from contaminated water.
• Malaria stages: high fever and chills occur during the paroxysmal stage; profuse sweating is typical after fever peaks.

West Nile Virus

• Most common mosquito-borne illness in the USA; affects birds primarily.
• Individuals over 50 years are most at risk.
• Diagnosed through serological tests detecting specific antibodies.

Zika Virus

• Associated with causing serious birth defects like microcephaly.

Lyme Disease

• Causative agent is Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Transmitted primarily by Ixodes ticks.
• An erythema migrans rash is a key indicator of infection.
• Primary treatment involves antibiotics, especially doxycycline.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

• Initial onset is characterized by a sudden fever.
• Caused by Rickettsia rickettsii.
• Rash spreading to the trunk indicates a systemic spread of the infection.
• First-line treatment includes doxycycline.